Dealing with a Challenging Statistics Professor
I’m currently facing a tough situation in my advanced applied statistics course. As a transfer student in my final year of business school, I’ve had to adjust my course schedule, which is why I’m tackling this class now, even though it’s typically taken in the freshman year.
While my professor is undoubtedly a statistical expert—conducting research, writing books, and so forth—his teaching style leaves much to be desired. He tends to rush through the material, rarely pauses for questions, and assumes we grasp every concept right away. Most importantly, he seldom explains the practicality of the problems we’re solving. He gives us the mathematical calculations and answers but fails to clarify how we might use these solutions in real-world contexts or what they actually mean.
I really want to succeed, or at least pass, this class. I make it a point to attend tutoring sessions when I can and would love to dedicate more time to studying. Unfortunately, I’m juggling other classes and working on a lengthy capstone paper (which is nearly finished) that has a tight deadline from late January to March 24. This situation leaves me with limited time to focus on stats without sacrificing my performance in other areas.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do? The professor suggested that I “just study harder.”
I’m sorry to hear that you’re having such a tough time with your stats course. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially with the added pressure of your capstone project and other responsibilities. Here are some strategies that might help you manage the situation:
Utilize Office Hours: If you haven’t already, try to take advantage of your professor’s office hours. Even though he may not explain things well in class, one-on-one time could allow you to ask specific questions and get clarification on concepts that are confusing.
Form a Study Group: Connecting with classmates can provide different perspectives on the material. You can help each other by explaining concepts in a way that makes sense to you. Sometimes, discussing the material with peers can reinforce your understanding.
Online Resources: Consider supplementing your learning with online platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or YouTube. They often provide practical examples and explanations that can make the material more digestible.
Focus on Essential Concepts: Given your limited time, try to identify the key topics that will likely be on exams or in assignments. Prioritize understanding those sections over trying to grasp everything at once.
Speak to an Academic Advisor: If it continues to be overwhelming, consider reaching out to an academic advisor. They might have resources available or can guide you on how to approach your workload in a more manageable way.
Practice Problems: Sometimes, working through problems can help illuminate their practical applications. Look for real-world examples in your textbook or online that relate to the topics you’re covering in class.
Talk to the Tutoring Center: If possible, see if they can pair you with a tutor who specializes in statistics. A dedicated tutor might be able to help clarify concepts more effectively than group sessions.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. You’re doing your best under challenging circumstances, and taking proactive steps to improve your understanding will ultimately benefit you in the long run. Good luck!